A guide to the Simply Youth Ministry Conference
In 10 days, the Simply Youth Ministry Conference will kick off in Louisville (pronounced Looovul) Kentucky. I’ve been going to SYMC for years, and in my mind it is the greatest youth ministry conference around. If you’ve been before, you know what I mean. Those planning the conference, teaching the workshops, leading connect groups, and putting this all together have a heart for youth workers. They genuinely love us and want us to be refreshed. This conference is about so much more than gaining knowledge – its about encountering Jesus and leaving ready to go back in the trenches of youth ministry.
The SYM team goes to great lengths to make sure everyone feels at home and comfortable, but the sheer scope of what goes on means that you can miss a lot if you don’t know what’s what. So, from a grizzled SYMC veteran, this is your guide to the simply youth ministry conference!
Breathe – The theme for this year is “Breathe” so be sure to just relax, take a deep breath, and be ministered to. Enjoy it, don’t get stressed out about having to squeeze everything in. There is a ton to do, but you don’t have to do it all. You won’t remember all the information that you get, but you will remember the moving of God in your life this weekend. Don’t be so busy that you miss Him.
Connect – I have made some great friends through the years at the conference. Don’t be afraid to talk with other youth ministers. Get to know them. The great thing about this conference is that all the speakers and presenters will stick around and talk with you, take advantage of it! They are all great people.
Go to the evening sessions – You can’t go wrong with the evening sessions. The speakers are awesome, the Skit Guys are hilarious, the MCing by Josh and Jake is amazing, and the worship by Shane & Shane is awe inspiring. Last year, I don’t know if I ever worshipped harder.
Go to the morning sessions – I am NOT a morning person. If I could sleep in til about 11 every day, I would (sadly, my wife, toddlers, and job don’t allow this). So, if I say you NEED to get up early each morning and come to these sessions, you know I am serious about it. Its so hard to describe, but Rick Lawrence leads these sessions and they are geared towards deepening your relationship with God. Just know that they are great and you need to be there. (and I just saw that these sessions start at 11. So if you like to sleep til 11 like me, you’re in luck!)
Pick seminars and tracks that appeal to you – There are so many seminars and workshops that it can be overwhelming. Just pick ones that immediately jump out at you. They have a scheduling app for the iphone, android, and on the web. Just google it, it will help you find what you’re looking for.
Relax on a sack chair - As you walk around, you’ll notice dozens of massive bean bags. If you find an open one, take a little while to just chill out on the sack chair. Take a nap. Talk with a friend. Throw stuff at passersby. Whatever. It’ll be fun!
Attend the Live Podcast – This year, the Simply Youth Ministry Show with Kurt and Jake will be doing a live podcast each night. These are always fun, and since its every night this year it’ll be 3x the fun.
Check out the SoulCare Tent – One of the things I love about Simply Youth Ministry is that they work hard to not only provide us resources, but also care for our souls. Many in ministry will be coming to this conference beaten and bloody, and we need advice, prayer, or just a shoulder to cry on. The SoulCare tent provides just that.
Join a Connect Group – This conference is about relationships. Connect groups help to facilitate those relationships with people in similar life and ministry situations. These aren’t classes, seminars, or discussions. Just a time to connect.
Are you going to the SYM Conference? I’d love to connect with you at some point. I’ll be around, so you can find me. If you’ve been before, I’d love to hear some things you recommend any newcomers do at the conference.
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